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Philips AM/FM Pocket Radio
TAR1509
Product Overview
Key Features
- Full range speaker for clear sound
- AM/FM analogue radio tuner
- No Bluetooth or wired connectivity
- Simple, one-handed analogue control
Key Specifications
- Brand:
- Philips
- Model Number:
- TAR1509
- Total Output:
- 100W
- Speaker Setup:
- Full range speaker
- Battery:
- 2x AAA size (LR3) 1.5 V
- Bluetooth:
- No
- Display:
- No
Audio
- Radio:
- FM 20 / 10 AM
- Frequency Responses:
- AM/FM radio turner
General Information
- Type:
- Portable Radio
- Colour:
- Black
- Additional Features:
- Analogue tuning, Simple, one-handed control
- What's In The Box:
- Phillips Portable AM/FM Radio, included accessories - Quick start guide, Warranty certificate
Warranty
- Manufacturer's Warranty:
- 1 Year
Audio
- Radio:
- FM 20 / 10 AM
- Frequency Responses:
- AM/FM radio turner
Warranty
- Manufacturer's Warranty:
- 1 Year
Product Dimensions
- Product Height (mm):
- 118
- Product Width (mm):
- 56
- Product Depth (mm):
- 22
- Product Weight (kg):
- 0.096
Box Dimensions
- Box Height (mm):
- 187
- Box Width (mm):
- 148
- Box Depth (mm):
- 245
- Box Weight (kg):
- 2
Product Reviews of Philips AM/FM Pocket Radio
Overall Rating Snapshot
2 out of 5 stars from 1 review
The other brand is better.
This transistor radio offers average performance but using the earphone Jack seriously drains the batteries in an astonishingly short time.
Christine B
Confirmed purchase 31 March 2025
Published on 22 April 2025
This customer is a verified purchaser who may have received an incentive in return for providing an authentic review.
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ABOUT THE GOOD GUYS REVIEWSThe Good Guys product reviews are collected from verified purchasers who may have received an incentive in return for providing an authentic review.
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At a glance
The Philips AM/FM Pocket Radio is a compact battery-powered radio for people who want simple live broadcast listening without relying on a phone or internet. It suits commuting, walking and travel thanks to its light design and easy controls. Key strengths are portability, straightforward operation and clear everyday sound. One limitation is that it uses analogue tuning and does not include Bluetooth or a digital display.
What it’s great for
- Portable listening
- Walking and commuting
- Travel
- Everyday radio listening
- Backup broadcast access
Where it works best
- On the go
- Public transport
- Walking routes
- Travel bags
- Around the home
Who it’s for
- Commuter
- Traveller
- Casual radio listener
- Senior user
- Anyone wanting phone-free listening
Things to consider
This model focuses on basic radio listening, so it lacks premium extras such as digital tuning, station presets, Bluetooth streaming and a display for more precise station selection.
Emergency suitability
Suitable as a simple battery-powered backup radio for broadcast access, but best paired with spare AAA batteries for readiness.
Portability rating
9/10 - compact, lightweight and easy to carry in a pocket or small bag.
Ease of use score
8/10 - simple thumbwheel controls and no setup make it easy for everyday use.
Battery endurance rating
6/10 - runs on two AAA batteries for portable use, but no battery life figure is provided.
Reception quality score
7/10 - telescopic antenna supports solid everyday FM reception, though analogue tuning is less precise than digital alternatives.
Key benefits
- Pocket-sized design: Easy to carry in a jacket pocket or travel bag for listening away from home.
- AM/FM reception: Lets you access both AM and FM live broadcasts for everyday listening variety.
- Analogue tuning: Simple manual station selection suits users who prefer straightforward controls.
- Telescopic antenna: Helps improve FM reception when adjusting for stronger signal pickup.
- Full range speaker: Delivers clear sound for news, talkback and general radio listening.
- Two AAA battery power: Operates independently without needing mains power, mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- Thumbwheel controls: Enables quick one-handed volume and tuning adjustments while moving.
- No app dependency: Works as a dedicated radio without pairing, setup or software updates.
Q: Does the Philips AM/FM Pocket Radio have digital tuning or preset stations?
A: No. This model uses analogue tuning, so stations are found manually with the tuning wheel rather than saved as presets. That suits simple on-the-go listening, but it is slower and less exact than a digital display when moving between stations.
Q: Can this Philips pocket radio work without a phone, Wi-Fi or mobile data?
A: Yes. It receives AM and FM radio broadcasts directly, so there is no need to pair a phone or use Wi-Fi or mobile data. It is designed for live broadcast listening only, and the listed features do not mention Bluetooth or internet streaming.
Q: Is the Philips AM/FM Pocket Radio actually small enough for travel or a jacket pocket?
A: Yes. Philips describes it as super-portable and small enough to slip into a pocket, which makes it better suited to travel, walking or keeping in a bag than a larger bedside radio. Reception will usually be best when the telescopic antenna can be extended fully.
Q: How good is reception on the Philips TAR1509 portable radio?
A: Reception should be solid for a compact radio because it uses a long telescopic antenna and manual analogue tuning. In real use, FM is usually clearer when the antenna is extended, while AM can vary more depending on the building, location and interference nearby.
Q: Is this radio easy to use if you just want simple controls?
A: Yes. It is built around two thumbwheels for tuning and volume, so operation is straightforward and can be done one-handed. The trade-off is that analogue tuning needs a little more adjustment than a digital radio when locking onto a station cleanly.